Simple Chickpea and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

By waitrose

Published on February 21, 2025

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EASY

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A creamy, garlicky, and plant-based delight, this Simple Chickpea and Mushroom Pasta Recipe is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances rich, umami flavors with fresh citrus notes, creating a wholesome and nutritious pasta that’s ideal for any day of the week.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

50g unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
4 cloves garlic, crushed or finely grated
250g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
350g pasta
400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
200g plant-based cream cheese
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon, juice of ½ lemon
½ pack flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and cook for another 2 minutes.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions to ensure a firm texture that holds up in the sauce.
Toss the chickpeas into the pan with the mushrooms and cook for 6-7 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture and start to develop a rich, deep flavor.
In a bowl, mix the plant-based cream cheese, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, a pinch of black pepper, and 5 tablespoons of the pasta’s cooking water. This will help create a smooth and creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Drain the pasta, reserving a little more cooking water. Add the pasta to the frying pan along with 3 tablespoons of the reserved water. Stir well to combine everything over low heat. Remove from heat and mix in the creamy sauce and lemon juice, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
Toss in the chopped parsley, season to taste, and garnish with extra black pepper. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

This Creamy Chickpea and Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a fantastic go-to meal when you’re short on time but still want something nourishing and delicious. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and a great way to incorporate plant-based ingredients into your diet.